Seek The Lord And Live

"Seek good, not evil, that you may live. then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy..." (Amos 5:14-15).

The prophet Amos (792-740 B.C.) lived during a time when Israel was prosperous, enjoying extravagant indulgences in luxurious living. Immorality, corruption of judicial procedures, and oppression of he poor; Israel was spiritually smug, and secure, a time only seen in the days of Solomon. Israel had forgotten their past punishments for unfaithfulness. God's patience does not mean God's permission. He will act for He is a just God who expects faithfulness by His people. Listen to our God:
I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps. (Amos 5:20-23)

We speak mostly of God's great love and that He is! We forget that He is a Holy God and cannot look upon sin. Remember the Cross? The dereliction by Jesus, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" God the Father cannot look upon sin, and at that moment Jesus became sin for us. The next moment He had completed His mission and had remained faithful. Therefore, God the Father accepted that sacrifice and now Jesus sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us. Our God is a God of Justice and Mercy!

"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent.
I will repair its broken places,
restore its ruins
and build it as it used to be,
so that they may possess the remnant of Edom
And all the nations that bear my name,
Declares the LORD, who will do these things" (Amos 9:11-13)

We often forget to read these more obscure books, they are not spoken about too often, yet in them are nuggets of great worth. Our God has such great love for us that He will do what it takes to bring us back to Him. How is our faith? Are we going to Church thinking, I tithed, I sang songs to God, I taught Sunday School, look at all that I am doing. How is our faith? Is it in God alone? Is He the center of our universe? We cannot allow perfunctory works to be the substance of our faith. Our substance is our relationship with Jesus. Him alone!

Daily Prayer:

Father forgive me for not putting you first, for allowing the things of this world to take precedence of my life. Thank you for your word that shines light upon who you are and guides me to be faithful to you. Help me not to play Church, but be reminded that this family, the brothers and sisters, need each other in real worship towards you. May my life represent you to all I come into contact with, may they see you Jesus in me.  Amen